BMW XM vs Land Rover Defender OCTA

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the BMW XM. ANCAP's published record does not give the Land Rover Defender OCTA a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BMW XM features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Land Rover Defender OCTA gets a 11.4-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW XM stands out with head-up display and Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Land Rover Defender OCTA. The Land Rover Defender OCTA counters with Meridian audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW XM gets merino leather upholstery while the Land Rover Defender OCTA offers leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW XM and 3-zone in the Land Rover Defender OCTA.

Drivetrain

The BMW XM uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 550kW and 1000Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds.

The Land Rover Defender OCTA responds with a 4.4L V8 Twin-Turbo Petrol Mild Hybrid making 467kW and 750Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4 seconds.

The BMW XM has the clear power advantage at 550kW vs 467kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW XM is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW XM measures 5,110mm long on a 3,105mm wheelbase, 297mm longer than the Land Rover Defender OCTA at 4,813mm (3,023mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW XM generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Land Rover Defender OCTA leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,700kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the BMW XM's turning circle is 1.4 m tighter, 11.4 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW XM costs about $3,648 a year (12.8 L/100km as a hybrid) and fuel for the Land Rover Defender OCTA about $3,734 a year (13.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $86 a year less for the BMW XM. A plug-in hybrid is costed running as a hybrid (battery depleted); charged daily, it uses less fuel and some electricity.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW XM) and 5 years / Unlimited (Land Rover Defender OCTA).

Where each one leads

The BMW XM: more power (550kW against 467kW) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($3,648 a year against $3,734).

The Land Rover Defender OCTA: the lower starting price ($304,500 against $309,900) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,700kg).

The Verdict

BMW XM scores higher, 58 vs 55

The BMW XM scores 58 to the Land Rover Defender OCTA's 55 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: reliability (BMW XM ahead by 7 points), practicality (BMW XM ahead by 4 points), fuel economy (BMW XM ahead by 3 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW XM costs about $86 less (12.8 L/100km as a hybrid against 13.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions